In a significant development for Thailand’s durian industry, the Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Ronnarong Phoolpipat, has emphasized the growing prominence of fresh durian products from the country’s eastern region in the lucrative Chinese market. The flourishing trade is facilitated by tariff exemptions granted under both the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Recognizing the potential of this burgeoning market, the DFT recently embarked on a visit to local durian producers in Rayong Province, aiming to gain insights into their specific requirements and encourage them to leverage the existing free trade agreements (FTAs). The department also extended its support by offering assistance wherever necessary.
The first quarter of 2023 witnessed a remarkable milestone for Thailand, with the country exporting approximately 70,000 tons of durian to China, marking a staggering 224% growth compared to the same period last year. Notably, durian from the eastern region is projected to account for a substantial 91% share of Thailand’s overall durian exports.
To fully capitalize on the benefits provided by the FTAs, entrepreneurs are urged to comply with the regulations set forth by China’s General Administration of Customs. Furthermore, it is imperative for exported fruits to possess the coveted phytosanitary certification, commonly referred to as the Phyto Certificate, as indisputable evidence of their origin.
Addressing concerns surrounding fraudulent certificates employed by producers in neighboring countries, the Department of Foreign Trade has devised a comprehensive system called the DFT SMART Certificate of Origin (DFT SMART C/O) to verify the authenticity and provenance of durian products. This innovative solution not only safeguards the integrity of Thailand’s exports but also ensures transparency in the market.
In a bid to enhance cooperation and information sharing, collaborative efforts are underway between the Department of Foreign Trade and Chinese customs officials to establish a seamless link between their respective information systems. This joint endeavor is poised to streamline trade processes and fortify the overall integrity of the durian trade between Thailand and China.
The rapid growth of Thailand’s durian exports to China, facilitated by the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, underscores the significant potential of this market for Thai producers. As the Department of Foreign Trade continues to support local entrepreneurs and bolster trade relations, the future looks promising for Thailand’s fresh durian products in the Chinese market.
